Mobile Crane Supports Windmill Restoration Project

Pfeifer Group used a mobile crane with precision control capabilities to replace heavy sail blades during the restoration of a historic Dutch windmill.  www.manitowoc.com Pfeifer Group, a Dutch crane rental company, deployed a Grove GMK5150XL all-terrain crane to support restoration work on the Hermien Windmill in Harreveld, in the Achterhoek region of the Netherlands. The lifting operation formed part of a renovation project completed before the windmill reopened to the public in April 2026. Crane Selection for Delicate Lifting Operations The restoration project required the replacement of the windmill’s 3 t sail blades on a structure originally built in 1819. Due to the historical significance of the monument and the sensitivity of the lifting operation, the contractor required equipment capable of precise load handling and stable positioning. Pfeifer Group selected the GMK5150XL because of its control accuracy, lifting performance and transport flexibility. The crane was configured with 12.5 t of counterweight and 55.9 m of main boom. In this setup, it positioned the 3 t blades at an 18 m working radius. According to the company, the crane’s control system was a key factor in executing the work safely on the historical structure. Gerrit Pfeifer, director and owner of Pfeifer Group, stated that the crane’s control precision and boom performance provided confidence during handling operations on the windmill. He also noted that transport, setup and dismantling at the jobsite were completed efficiently. Mobility and Setup Efficiency The project site required equipment that could be transported and deployed without extensive logistical preparation. The GMK5150XL was selected partly because of its roadability and compact dimensions. The crane features a 68.7 m MEGAFORM main boom and can transport up to 10.2 t of counterweight while remaining within 12 t axle load limits. With a transport width of 2.75 m, the crane is suited for access to constrained or rural worksites. These characteristics allowed the crane to be mobilized efficiently for the restoration project while maintaining the lifting capacity required for the blade replacement work. Long-Term Equipment Support Pfeifer Group operates Grove cranes ranging from 50 t to 300 t capacity and added the GMK5150XL to its fleet at the end of 2025. Technical support for the fleet is provided by Manitowoc’s service facility in Breda, including maintenance, spare parts, technical assistance and operator training. Restoration of a Historical Landmark The Hermien Windmill was originally constructed by local doctor JJS van Raesfelt to supply grain to the surrounding community. The site is currently managed by the Hermien Belt-Driven Grain Mill Preservation Foundation. The restoration project was intended to preserve the operational and historical condition of the windmill, which remains an important regional landmark in the Netherlands. Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI. www.manitowoc.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing